‘It was quite overwhelming’: how it feels to have your business thrive in a pandemic

‘It was quite overwhelming’: how it feels to have your business thrive in a pandemic

Edel Beattie from The Happy Organiser: ‘Virtual consults more than doubled during lockdown.’“I started my business during the first lockdown in 2020 as I could see there was a need for a service in this area, especially since more people were working from home and trying to juggle kids at the same time.“Virtual consults more than doubled during lockdown.

Playing with dogs can help children be better socially and emotionally

Playing with dogs can help children be better socially and emotionally

Comedian-writer David Walliams' children's books, including the popular The World's Worst series, has been accused of "classism" and "fat-shaming" by food writer-activist Jack Monroe.

Dog interrupts owner’s yoga tutorial video by humping pillow

Dog interrupts owner’s yoga tutorial video by humping pillow

Bobby is usually well-behaved in the videos (Picture: Jayne Hobson/SWNS)‘I tried to stop him but before I knew it, he’s positioned himself right in front of the lens and started humping away.

Police therapy dog steals and hides all the toys donated for kids

Police therapy dog steals and hides all the toys donated for kids

After an investigation, they found the chief suspect – their very own Ben. The police officers had been keeping the toys in a classroom at the station as they were about to be shipped off to the charity.

Six alternative events to help improve your mental well-being

Six alternative events to help improve your mental well-being

A glass of red liquid included (Picture: Vampire Yoga)Sometimes delving into darkness can be spiritually cleansing.Dogs help lower stress levels (Picture: Paws For Coffee)There are numerous studies that showcase the mental health benefits of having a pet.

Rose McGowan to make directorial debut with dog animation

Rose McGowan to make directorial debut with dog animation

Actor and #MeToo activist says her cartoon Pomerania will focus on race, breed and classism.McGowan, who is about to perform in a one-woman show at the Edinburgh festival, revealed more details about Pomerania to the Hollywood Reporter.

Should pets ever be kept in classrooms?

Should pets ever be kept in classrooms?

Animal charities say it’s teaching the wrong lessons – but schools argue it inspires children to learn about the natural world. Watching duck eggs hatch in a classroom was a “wow” experience that brought the topic to life, says Sarah Holmes, teacher in Derby High School’s primary department.

From the archive: PG Wodehouse and the love of dogs

From the archive: PG Wodehouse and the love of dogs

The Observer Magazine of 9 March 1975 featured PG Wodehouse writing about his dogs (‘Pekes, hounds and mutts I have known’). But when Sammy died, confesses Wodehouse, ‘I made what I think was a mistake by appointing as his successor an Aberdeen terrier who was supposed (though he seldom did) to answer to the name of Angus.

Cabinet cats are the purrfect distraction

Cabinet cats are the purrfect distraction

• Aditya Chakrabortty (11 April) quotes the health secretary, Matt Hancock, as saying voting Tory is now “something people start to do when they get their winter fuel allowance”. • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit

Service Dog Helps Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors Heal

Service Dog Helps Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors Heal

Rescue came to Kensky and Downes from NEADS, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides highly skilled service dogs for people who are deaf or have a disability. Starting when he was about 8 weeks old, Rescue trained for 1 ½ years with NEADS/World Class Service Dogs, which is based in Princeton, Massachusetts.

Very good dog reads with pupils and has his own school uniform and backpack

Very good dog reads with pupils and has his own school uniform and backpack

Russell the Dog, 13, listening to school children read at Coalsnaughton Primary School (Picture: Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS.com)An adorable dog loves helping primary school pupils to read, and even has his own school uniform and backpack.

Strange pet laws

Strange pet laws

- In the city of Turin, Italy, you are required to walk your dog at least three times a day or risk a hefty fine. That is why I am sending you an article about my pet dog, Mojo.